Are you one of those people that finds solace and comfort in rainy days or melancholy music?

It’s not quite sadness. It's more like longing. A beautiful ache that makes you feel more connected to the human experience.

What is that specifically? And why does it compel us so?

Former corporate lawyer turned author Susan Cain wondered the same—a query that launched a 7-year journey to better understand the complex and nuanced nature of all things melancholic. The result of Susan’s adventure is Bittersweet, her #1 New York Times bestselling book that ponders this quiet state of being and why embracing it paves a true path to creativity, connection, and transcendence.

Bluntly put, quiet states of being are Susan Cain’s jam.

Today we go delightfully deep on Susan’s transition from attorney to writer and how she came to write about introversion.

We discuss the irony of being a public introvert, the power of honoring your inner introvert, and how to support introverted kids and co-workers.

We also go deep on bittersweetness—and the how and whys behind cultivating it as a means of giving our lives more resonance and meaning and appreciation.

If you protect your quiet like I do, this one's for you.

Watch: YouTube.

Read: Show notes.

Both introversion and bittersweetness are states that society doesn’t do a great job of encouraging, but Susan really encouraged my acceptance and embrace of these ideas as an introvert myself (and someone who scored pretty high on the bittersweetness scale) as powerful when nourished.

My hope is that you will find this conversation equally nourishing.

Peace + Plants,

Rich